The Patriots' offensive line far exceeded expectations during the 2025 season, considering they started two rookies on the left side, a center they signed in free agency, and a veteran right tackle entering his age 35 season.
They appeared to be an improved group from the year before, but their production fell as the season progressed, and we saw just how weak they were during the postseason, specifically, their Super Bowl LX loss to the Seahawks.
It prompted the decision to have Jared Wilson compete for the starting center role this offseason, after spending last year as the left guard, and now the Patriots have to find his replacement for the upcoming season.
One of the most prominent candidates was former Steeler Isaac Seumalo, as he was perhaps the top candidate for the role in the eyes of New England media. But he just signed a three-year deal with the Cardinals, stripping the Patriots' chance of getting him to Foxboro.
Guard Isaac Seumalo to the Cardinals for three years and $31.5M, per @AdamSchefter and me.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2026
Deal, done by Joe DiBenedetto and Ken Sarnoff of 1 OF 1 Agency, includes $19M guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/1hpL7WEsgC
The Patriots allowed another top offensive line candidate slip through their fingers to start free agency
If Mike Vrabel and the offensive coaching staff are interested in seeing Wilson perform at his given position, since they drafted him as a center last year, then they have to be more diligent in finding his replacement.
Top-caliber offensive linemen don't just become available, so usually, teams have to prioritize the positions they need and sign them as quickly as possible. That's why we saw so many signs on the first day of the legal tampering window, but the Patriots didn't.
It doesn't mean there aren't any other candidates that would be a good fit, because there is a long list of players still unsigned. So that's certainly good news, but Vrabel and Co. need to be more aggressive if they want to get a reliable veteran on the roster because those guys will be swept up in no time.
They can use a draft pick or two on the position, as well, but it seems a bit risky to have another rookie be a Day 1 starter, even if they saw success with that between Campbell and Wilson last year.
We'll see if they pick things up on Day 2 of the legal tampering period. Hopefully, they will fill many more needs than they have so far.